£700 - £900
POTTER, Helen Beatrix. Autograph letter, signed, to Elizabeth Tyson. Castle Cottage, Sawrey, November 11, 1938. Unpublished and unrecorded.
17.5 x 11cm, two pages, creased where folded, with autograph envelope addressed Miss Tyson, Busk House, Ambleside, envelope ragged from opening and slightly foxed but clean (2)
A characteristic and friendly letter to the local antique dealer on her recent holiday, health, eccentric Miss Owen of Belmount Hall and the impending war
"You will wonder what has become of me! I got so tired of sciatica and kidney chill and cold, one on top of another - I went for 10 days change to stay with a friend near Birkenhead - a dull place but sea air. She put me to bed! most of the time - I have come back very much better - but will have to be careful of damp this winter.
I have been having deplorable letters from Miss Owen. One never knows how much to believe - one day it is appendicitis and the next day salmon & cucumber - she seems precarious! Some day - when it is less damp - perhaps I will ask you a favour - to go with me and help me collect & pack her clothes that are lying about Belmount, she still says she intends to return next spring & won't hear of my sending them to Rome - but I think they should at least be in the trunks.
For one reason - if the crisis ends in war - I believe empty houses will be wanted as hospitals the police have Belmount on their list, quite reasonably. Liverpool shipping people are not cheerful. The more Mr Chamberlain - the more Hitler will ask for; they were saying "war in 6 months"
Provenance: Elizabeth Tyson (1878-1970) thence by descent in her extended family to the present vendor
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.8% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
30.6% inc VAT*
